Nov. fishing tournament to benefit Conservancy

June 15, 2012

Dr. Aaron Adams, senior scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, is the honorary chair for the RedSnook Catch & Release Charity Tournament at the Naples Yacht Club in November.

The tournament is open to all amateur anglers, but registration is limited to the first 60 teams. All proceeds will benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Awards will be presented to the top teams in each of five divisions plus largest fish, grand slam, corporate team and top female angler.

The RedSnook Catch and Release tournament starts with a kick-off party and auction at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Naples Yacht Club. Anglers will launch from locations in Naples, Goodland and Everglades City, with competition on Nov. 3 and 4. The event concludes with an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 4, at Northern Trust, 4001 Tamiami Trail, Naples.

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Allen Systems Group is the "Stars and Stripes" sponsor which will allow two teams of selected veterans to fish in the event.

Dr. Adams' pursuit of effective fisheries and habitat conservation are rooted in his years growing up near Chesapeake Bay, when he witnessed the collapse of the bay's habitats and fisheries. Adams spends considerable effort translating science and conservation into fishermen's terms, has given countless presentations to fishing clubs, and is an avid fly angler.

Roland Martin, legendary angler and television host of "Fishing with Roland Martin," will serve as the founding honorary chairman.

The tournament netted more than $110,000 in 2011 for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to protect the area's waters.